Western Hognose SnakeHeterodon nasicus

Size:
1 1/2 - 2 ft

Distribution

Western half
of state into the panhandle. The western hognose snake is very similar
to the eastern hognose in appearance, but the rostrum (nose) is more
pronounced and the belly is marked with dark black blotches. The western
hognose preys mostly on toads, but its diet may also include small
rodents and birds. Considered a harmless snake, the hognoses have
rear fangs and a mild venom which can only cause mild inflammation
similar to that of a bee sting (allergic reactions excluded). Venomous
bites from a hognose are rare, as hognoses are gentle and not prone
to bite. Venomous bites cannot happen from a strike alone (the fangs
are set too far back). In one instance of hognose envenomation, the
demonstrator held a toad previously and had not washed his hands and
simply smelled like food.